Windy City Street Style: Jessica Lauren

Dear Instagram thank you for introducing me to Jessica Lauren, the fierce go-getter behind the blog, No Real Jewelry. She uses her site to inspire, uplift, and encourage female entrepreneurs like herself. Plus she has great natural hair care tips and how to’s. So without further ado, I’d like you all to meet Chicago Style Blogger, Jessica Lauren.

WCW: Hey Girl, Hey! So nice to chat with you today. Will you describe your personal street style to us?

My personal style is Simple Chic. I’m a total t-shirt, jeans and a pair of cognac Jesus Sandals kinda girl. I love looking like I didn’t try too hard (Lord knows I did). I guess I have that librarian style.. You kinda look past it at first glance, then you turn around like “ that librarian with the afro and red lipstick is working it!” *3 snaps

Jessica: Do you have any tips for style when relying on transit?

Once upon a time while I was on the Blue Line I sat in pee. So now whenever I get on the train I make sure I have a plastic bag or Red Eye and place it on the seat cause honey, you just never know. I don’t know if that was a style tip or just a “Surviving in Chicago Life Hack”. Whatever it is, just do it! But on the real, the best style advice I ever got was a Coco Chanel quote: “When Accessorizing take off the last thing you put on” Because I love jewelry and accessories so much, it’s easy for me to do tew much and look like Punky Brewster. So whenever i’m about to dash out the door, I’m like “Let me take off this ninth bangle”.

WCW: What’s your favorite accessory?

Jessica: It’s a tie between a good handbag + a nice watch. I can have on a $2 dress from Rainbow but if I have on a dope watch and a killer handbag­ you my dear, can’t tell me a darn thang!

WCW: If I peeked in your closet, what brands or designs would I see repeat?

Jessica: My closet is stuffed with MissGuided, H&M, Forever21, Zara, Target’s Mossimo Line, Old Navy + thrifted pieces. My closet is filled with so much gray, white + black ­­it’s not even funny. Sometimes I throw in some neutrals to spice it up (wink wink). I went through a phase in my early 20’s where every article of clothing was bright pink, turquoise, royal purple­­ basically looked like a rainbow. Now my pieces are a bit more classic. With some pretty cool patterned dresses and skirts so that i’m not completely boring. If I do add color recently I’ve been obsessed with mustard yellow.

WCW: Are you from Chicago originally? If not, how has moving here influenced your current style?

Jessica:I was born and raised in Detroit. First through eighth grades, I wore uniforms and when I went to high school everyone wore designer brands that my mother couldn’t afford. So in high school I adored fashion but I was so insecure about not being able to afford the hottest labels. It wasn’t until I went to school in Illinois and moved to Chicago that I noticed that people dressed how ever the hell they wanted to and I totally gravitated towards that energy. I feel like there’s no pressure to be a label whore in the Chicago life. People seem to just celebrate the individual here and i’m down with that!

WCW: Do you modify your style for work or school?

Jessica: I graduated college way back in the day­ day (*cough 2006) and I’m an actress that does a ton of freelance work so for the most part as long as I don’t wear my shredded daisy dukes to meetings or auditions my style is good to go!

WCW: Name your favorite place to shop online and in store.

Jessica: My fave place to shop online is Missguidedus.com they always have a crazy stupid sale going on and the quality of their clothes is amazing. My favorite place to shop in store is Target and Zara, because duh. Lol!

WCW: What’s in your bag?

Jessica: OMG! My everyday bag is on it’s last leg. I put wayyyy too much in it! I carry: my laptop, charger, phone, phone charger, mophie, makeup bag, makeup brushes, wallet, a time of the month pouch with all of my “you know what’s”, “Playing Big” by Tara Mohr, My Planner, A notebook, a pen case (nerd),”Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young, all types of jewelry, and Aleeve. I need to stop the madness! But I travel so much working gigs in and out of town i’ve just become accustomed to traveling with my entire life!

WCW: Who’s your fashion/style icon?

Sarah Jessica Parker, Tracee Ellis Ross and Solange! The trifecta!

If you aren’t already reading Jessica’s blog, No Real Jewelery-where you ain’t got to lie to kick it, you’re DEFINITELY missing out! And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter, so you shop the dreamer + doer collectionwith a 10% off coupon.

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Meet The Editor

Hey girl, hey! I'm Dāsha, a Chicago-based Wardrobe Stylist & Blogger here to help you curate experiences and a wardrobe you love. In a world that keeps trying to pit girl against girl, I choose community over competition. So grab your favorite drink, sit back and enjoy this journey of fashion, self-discovery, and sisterhood!